WATERVILLE, Maine — A man from Waterville will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for murder.
Spridal Hubiak was sentenced shortly before noon Tuesday to serve 65 years in prison without parole.
Hubiak pleaded guilty to stabbing his co-worker Angela Bragg to death last December. The two worked at Damon's Beverage in Waterville.
Hubiak fled the state after the incident and was arrested days later following a police chase in Arkansas, during which he crashed into a gas station and was shot by officers after police said he got out of the crashed vehicle and displayed an assault-style rifle.
Hubiak initially claimed his innocence but requested to change his plea to guilty in August. A judge at the time did not accept his plea until Hubiak underwent a competence evaluation to confirm he fully understood his decision to change the plea and was doing so voluntarily.
Prosecution and defense teams said at the time that they did not share the judge's concern about Hubiak's competence.
After undergoing the evaluation, Hubiak's plea change was accepted by a judge in October.
During his plea hearing, Hubiak waived his right to a trial and confirmed he understood the charges and the implications of his guilty plea. When asked if he was under the influence of any medication or disorder that might impair his understanding, Hubiak assured the court that he was capable of comprehending the proceedings.
"I do find there is sufficient evidence to support this charge, and that the plea is voluntary," the judge stated.
Court documents obtained by NEWS CENTER Maine earlier this year offered insight into the reported homicide. In the document, details released note that Hubiak stabbed Bragg at Damon’s Beverage in Waterville after locking the store’s front doors 45 minutes before closing time.
Court documents and evidence shared in court also revealed Hubiak, who was apparently infatuated with Bragg, made plans to kill her in the weeks leading up to her death.
Assistant District Attorney Lisa Bogue explained surveillance footage obtained for the case allegedly showed Hubiak pacing behind Bragg with what appears to be a sharp weapon. Prosecutors also cited notes found in his possession that pointed to premeditated intent.
"Angela hadn’t done anything to provoke it. [...] He just wanted to do it," one of the notes stated.
Tuesday's sentencing took place at Kennebec County Superior Court.
This story is developing and may be updated.
